The Indy Fuel opened a two-game weekend series in Wheeling with a 3-2 shootout victory over the Nailers on Friday night, earning a hard-fought road win after a tightly contested game.

The teams played to a scoreless tie through much of the first period as both goaltenders turned aside quality scoring chances. Indy broke through late in the period when Jadon Joseph scored at 14:55, finishing a play set up by Nick Grima and Tyler Paquette. The Fuel carried a 1-0 lead into the first intermission and held a 7-4 advantage in shots on goal.

Wheeling answered early in the second period, tying the game just one minute in on a goal by Matty De St. Phalle, assisted by Craig Armstrong. The remainder of the period featured physical play and limited special teams opportunities. Jesse Tucker took the game’s first penalty at 8:46 for tripping, but neither team capitalized during a brief four-on-four sequence after Logan Pietila was also whistled for tripping. The Nailers edged the Fuel 17-16 in shots during the period, and the game remained tied 1-1.

Indy regained the lead early in the third period when Tucker scored at 3:36, finishing a setup from Grima. The advantage was short-lived, however, as Grima was called for charging at 3:51. Wheeling converted quickly on the ensuing power play, with Pietila scoring just five seconds later to tie the game at 2-2.

The teams traded chances throughout the remainder of regulation, which ended with Wheeling holding a 32-28 edge in shots on goal.

In overtime, Armstrong was assessed a hooking-from-behind penalty at 5:27, awarding Joseph a penalty shot, but he was unable to convert.

The game was decided in the shootout. After both teams scored in the opening round, Joseph sealed the win for Indy in the second round with the game-winning goal.

The Fuel take on Iowa Saturday at the Fishers Event Center.